Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Structure and Function of the Integration Systems: Nervous and Endocrine
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
Teaching staff
Contact the teacher by email to arrange a tutoring session.
Introduction
The subject "Structure and function of integration systems: nervous and endocrine" allows us to know how body activities are regulated by nerve impulses and hormonal secretions, contributing to the maintenance of body homeostasis. The description of the sensory and motor pathways will allow us to understand how impulses are transmitted to the marrow and the brain, and from there to the muscles and glands. We will also study the part of the nervous system that operates without voluntary control, the autonomic nervous system, to conclude with the systems of protection and regulation of the internal organs mediated by this same system. We will also know how behaviors and memories are perceived, and how voluntary movements are carried out. We will understand the general organization of the endocrine system: the structural, general and specific characteristics of the endocrine glands; the molecular structure of the different hormones and the mechanisms involved in their production, transport, metabolism, and regulation, as well as the physiological effects of the different hormones.
This subject contributes to SDGs 3 and 4 by promoting health and well-being through the training of healthcare professionals with solid knowledge of homeostasis and body regulation, and by strengthening high-quality scientific education. It is also linked to SDG 9 by laying the foundations for the development of innovative medical technologies, and to SDG 5 by encouraging equal participation in health-related careers.
Pre-course requirements
Knowledge of chemistry / biochemistry and molecular biology, high school level
Objectives
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Present and explain the structure, organization, and functions of the nervous system, with special emphasis on the transmission of electrical and chemical signals between neurons and the functioning of synapses.
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Guide students in the identification and description of the morphology of the central and autonomic nervous systems.
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Introduce the structural and functional principles of the endocrine system, highlighting its organization and relevance in the physiological regulation of the human body.
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Present the different hormones of the endocrine system, addressing their specific functions, mechanisms of action, regulation, and effects on target organs.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CN06 - Describe the anatomical, physiological and histological aspects of the organs and systems in the human body at different stages in life, in both sexes.
- CN07 - Identify the structure, function and action mechanisms of the components of the immune system, both when healthy or when experiencing a pathology.
- CP02 - Apply scientific methodology to interpret practical or theoretical data by evaluating situations and results from a critical and constructive point of view.
- CP05 - Apply biological foundations in the search for practical solutions to health problems, following ethical standards and scientific rigour and respecting fundamental equal rights between men and women, and the promotion of human rights and the values inherent in a peaceful society of democratic values that includes inclusive, non-discriminatory language without stereotypes.
Learning outcomes of the subject
Upon completing the course, students should be able to:
- Understand the anatomical and functional organization of the central and peripheral nervous systems, identifying the main structures involved in cognitive, motor, sensory, and autonomic functions.
- Explain basic mechanisms of neuronal communication, including synapses, neurotransmission, ion channels, and action potential generation.
- Identify sensory and motor systems, understanding their physiology, neural circuits, and roles in movement control, perception, and sensory information integration.
- Analyze neurobiological processes involved in higher functions such as language, memory, learning, sleep, and sexual differentiation of behavior.
- Understand the organization and function of the endocrine system, including main glands, hormonal axes, and regulatory mechanisms, and their interaction with the nervous system in homeostasis and physiology.
- Recognize the role of hormones at the level of different target tissues and the consequences of their dysregulation.
Syllabus
Topic 1. Introduction to the nervous system
Topic 2. Synapses and neurotransmission
Topic 3. Ion channels and action potential
Topic 4. Anatomy I: Teleencephalon and Diencephalon
Topic 5. Language
Topic 6. Anatomy II: Brainstem and cerebellum. Medulla, cranial nerves and ANS
Topic 7. Sensory organs I
Topic 8. Motion Control
Topic 9. Sensory organs II
Topic 10. Learning, memory and sleep
Topic 11. Basic principles of hormonal action
Topic 12. Hypothalamic-pituitary system I
Topic 13. Hypothalamic-pituitary system II
Topic 14. Adrenal gland hormones
Topic 15. Thyroid hormones
Topic 16. Pancreatic hormones
Topic 17. Hormones involved in calcium and phosphate metabolism
Topic 18. Hormones of the reproductive system
Topic 19. Diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity
Practicals:
Practical 1: Nervous System Histology
Practical 2: Nervous System Anatomy
Practical 3: Electroencephalogram
Practical 4: Endocrine Physiology
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Fully in-person modality in the classroom.
The content will be delivered using three different teaching methodologies or learning activities:
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Lectures – 32 hours: The instructor delivers knowledge in the classroom to the entire group of students.
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Case Method (CM) – 16 hours: Students, working in groups, solve practical cases provided by the instructor on the same day. In the classroom, students present their conclusions with the active participation of the instructor, who may introduce new concepts when necessary.
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Practical classes – 8 hours: Experimental demonstrations in the laboratory on concepts studied in theoretical classes, under the supervision of the instructor.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
Students in the first call:
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20% - Case Method Assessment: Students will be evaluated continuously. This includes attendance control, resolution of case studies, and an exam. Attendance is not mandatory, but absence will be marked as a 0 for that day.
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20% - Practical test: Knowledge acquired during the lab sessions will be evaluated. It will take place on the last lab session. Attendance to practicals is mandatory. In case of justified absence (as outlined in the Student Guide), rescheduling to another group or exemption from attendance will be considered. In case of schedule incompatibility, group changes between students may be arranged (under the supervision of the course coordinator).
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10% - Attitude and Class Participation: Punctuality, Participation, initiative, and engagement with class and tasks will be assessed.
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25% - Partial Exam (Nervous System): includes all material taught up to the previous class. Taking the exam is mandatory.
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25% - Partial Exam (Endocrine System): includes all material taught up to the previous class. Taking the exam is mandatory.
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50% -If any of the partial exams are failed, the content will be reassessed in the final exam. This includes all material not passed in the partials. It is essential to pass both sections (Nervous and Endocrine) to pass the course.
Exams may be written or multiple-choice. In the latter case, there will be 4 answer options, and 0.33 points will be deducted for each incorrect answer, with 1 point awarded for each correct one.
To pass the course, students must obtain a minimum score of 5 in each part (either in partials or final) and a final average of at least 5.
Attendance at lectures is not mandatory and absences do not affect the final grade. In contrast, attendance at MCs is also not mandatory, but any absence will be recorded as a 0 for that day’s grade. Finally, participation in practical sessions is mandatory and required in order to pass the course.
Students in the second call: If both sections of the syllabus are not passed (in the partials or final), students will take an exam at the end of the second semester, which will cover the entire syllabus and will account for 60% of the final grade, averaged with the practicals grade (20%) and the case method grade (20%) from the first call. The partial exams and class participation will not be considered unless the student requests it. In that case, both partials must be included in the average (it will not be possible to take only one).
Students with two or more calls exhausted: They will take the final exam, which will account for 60% of the final grade, averaged with the grade from the practicals (20%) and the case method work (20%) obtained in the first session. Students may retake the practicals, case method sessions, and partial exams if they wish to improve their grades. They must inform the coordinator in advance. If they choose to retake the partial exams, both exams must be completed; absence from one will result in a score of 0.
Bibliography and resources
- Neurociencia. Dale Purves. ISBN: 978-8498357547. Editorial Panamericana, 2016 (5ª Edición).
- Principles of Neural Science. Kandel, Schwartz, Jessell, Siegelbaum y Hudspeth. Editorial
- Neuroscience: exploring the brain. Bear, Mark F. Wolters Kluwer, cop. 2016
- Endocrine Physiology. PE Molina. 1264278454 · 9781264278459. Editorial McGraw Hill 2023 (6ª Edición).
- Fisiología Humana. Un enfoque integrado. Dee U. Silverthorn. ISBN: 9786078546220. Editorial Médica Panamericana, 2019 (8ª Edición).
- Guyton & Hall. Tratado de fisiología médica. J E Hall. ISBN: 9788413820132. Editorial Elsevier 2021 (14ª Edición).
Evaluation period
- E1 07/01/2026 A16 14:00h
- E2 19/06/2026 A16 11:00h